I believe I am taking the plunge

[f7ben]

Well...I have been obsessing about the GTM since I first laid eyes on one. I made a deal on a 2001 z06 donor car with 43k miles today. I will be removing everything I need through the winter and parting the rest of the car to recoup some costs. I am hoping to take delivery of a kit next summer some time if things work out.

Also I am going to the FFR factory this October 31st while my wife and I are in Boston. Its her 30th Birthday and she chose Boston for her vacation so I talked her into heading down and checking out a GTM lol.

So there it is...this is the beginning and I am sure I will be spending a ton of time on this incredibly helpful site.

[The Stig]

Welcome! And good luck with your plan. There are a lot of good people here who are willing to help. All you have to do is ask. I know that I owe quite a lot to the people at Factory Five, and on this forum.

Enjoy.

[LCD Gauges]

Very nice! Once you buy the donor, you can't turn back. What are your plans for the GTM (colour, options, etc.)?

[riptide motorsport]

welcome to the madness!!!!!

[f7ben]

Welcome! And good luck with your plan. There are a lot of good people here who are willing to help. All you have to do is ask. I know that I owe quite a lot to the people at Factory Five, and on this forum.

Enjoy.

Thanks...I have been engaged in a few projects and I always seek out the forums....from what I've read while lurking here over the past few weeks and months this is about as open and helpful of a forum as I've ever encountered.


Very nice! Once you buy the donor, you can't turn back. What are your plans for the GTM (colour, options, etc.)?

For the moment I plan to leave the LS1 in its current state which is cammed with supporting valve train and making about 400whp. I am a turbo guy so FI would come after I got used to the power and the way the car handles....probably single 76mm Precision or Comp turbo billet wheels ect ect making 8-9 lbs of boost and pushing the limits of the stock Ls1 rotating assembly. I am very partial to Mag Red for a color. As far as other plans I would wnat power steering...abs...trac control ect. I am a big fan of nannies for street cars. I suppose I will be going with a Mendeola as well although I am having trouble finding pricing for the FFR recommended unit.


welcome to the madness!!!!!

I am pretty aware of what I am getting into I think...I am hooked on turbo snowmobiles currently and have a 630 whp Evox that will be going down the river to facilitate the GTM. Mechanically this will be the first experience even remotely close to this level. I cant wait

[Kalstar]

I live 10 miles from the factory, for liability reasons Factory Five can not offer to let you drive their cars. My GTM is done......

[f7ben]

I live 10 miles from the factory, for liability reasons Factory Five can not offer to let you drive their cars. My GTM is done......

Well if you are offering to take me for a ride in your GTM than I am offering to buy you a lunch of any assorted Lobstah Rolls or Chowdahs along with as many craft beers as you like while you enjoy said cliche New Englander lunch :lol:

[Kalstar]

Well if you are offering to take me for a ride in your GTM than I am offering to buy you a lunch of any assorted Lobstah Rolls or Chowdahs along with as many craft beers as you like while you enjoy said cliche New Englander lunch :lol:

Well I don't drink and I am allergic to seafood....no kiding.

Lunch sounds good though. Soooo, can you drive stick??

[LCD Gauges]

. Soooo, can you drive stick??

Damn, if he can't I can!!!

[f7ben]

Well I don't drink and I am allergic to seafood....no kiding.

Lunch sounds good though. Soooo, can you drive stick??

Well my current weekend car has a tilton triple disc rated to 1200 lb ft of tq. It took me a few hundred miles to get used to that.

[Kalstar]

Damn, if he can't I can!!!

We are a brotherhood. So long as it is off Factory Five grounds and they do not "support" what I am doing with my car then there is no liability for them. I am all for helping sell a few more kits for the Factory Five team. That goes for the 818 as well (which I am picking up the kit in October). There will not be any high speed, "let's see what this can do" runs but one can get the feel of the car and the brutal acceleration with a few spirited adrenaline induced "holly crap this thing is quick". Keep in mind this is a well completed but very much a budget build. It is show car quality but some savings was had in the drivetrain. It is a 5.3L, short box G50-01 (unopened) with the F5R supplied rod shift. The whole drivetrain was less then 3000.00. If you like my car, things can only get better the more you make one your own. BTW the little 5.3 is clocking off 3.2 sec runs and I feel I can improve the 0-60 as I get to know the car better. She weighs 2460 and is about 420 crank (358whp/339Wtq).

[Kalstar]

Oh and btw, this will be a selective offer. I am happy to help out but the buyer must prove they are real, i.e. have a donor or have a deposit on a GTM. If I do no limit it, I will have half the world looking for joy rides ;-)

[Presto51]

Oh and btw, this will be a selective offer. I am happy to help out but the buyer must prove they are real, i.e. have a donor or have a deposit on a GTM. If I do no limit it, I will have half the world looking for joy rides ;-)


Nice way to bum me out Jim :(. You must have been reading my mind SIGH!!!

[Kalstar]

Nice way to bum me out Jim :(. You must have been reading my mind SIGH!!!

Ron, you are one of only few that I would let take my car without me in it. Any time buddy.

[David Hodgkins]

Ben(?),

Welcome to a very exciting part of your life! You will at turns be excited, sad, elated, overwhelmed, frustrated, giddy and confused. :)

If you brake the build down into small steps, ie front suspension, footbox, rear suspension, marking and drilling panels, wiring, etc. and not worry too much about "getting it on the road asap" you will end up REALLY enjoying the build. But the greatest thing is all the new friends you will gather along the way. Some guys actually end up enjoying the build so much they end up selling so they can build again!

Welcome to the forum, and make sure to include us with frequent updates. We have all the space you need for hosting pics so make sure a decent digital camera is part of the build budget. A lot of times you will want clarification on something and a good pic of the subject matter help tremendously.

I look forward to watching your build!

:)

[f7ben]

Ben(?),

Welcome to a very exciting part of your life! You will at turns be excited, sad, elated, overwhelmed, frustrated, giddy and confused. :)

If you brake the build down into small steps, ie front suspension, footbox, rear suspension, marking and drilling panels, wiring, etc. and not worry too much about "getting it on the road asap" you will end up REALLY enjoying the build. But the greatest thing is all the new friends you will gather along the way. Some guys actually end up enjoying the build so much they end up selling so they can build again!

Welcome to the forum, and make sure to include us with frequent updates. We have all the space you need for hosting pics so make sure a decent digital camera is part of the build budget. A lot of times you will want clarification on something and a good pic of the subject matter help tremendously.

I look forward to watching your build!

:)

Thanks David....that all sounds like great advice and I will be sure to make a detailed build thread....the camera is a great tool when working through something for the first time. I'm sure the first thing you guys will be seeing lots of pics and questions about is a smashed up z06 haha

[Daniel Dinverno]

Well...I have been obsessing about the GTM since I first laid eyes on one. I made a deal on a 2001 z06 donor car with 43k miles today. I will be removing everything I need through the winter and parting the rest of the car to recoup some costs. I am hoping to take delivery of a kit next summer some time if things work out.

Also I am going to the FFR factory this October 31st while my wife and I are in Boston. Its her 30th Birthday and she chose Boston for her vacation so I talked her into heading down and checking out a GTM lol.

So there it is...this is the beginning and I am sure I will be spending a ton of time on this incredibly helpful site.
Have you noticed that there is a complete kit available in the for sale section? You can save $9000. It is a Gen1 and I actually prefer some of the features of the Gen1 myself. If you like the Gen2 body with some mods you can make the body Gen2 ish with not a lot of effort. Hold off on the donor, and get this.. You wont find a better deal.

[f7ben]

Have you noticed that there is a complete kit available in the for sale section? You can save $9000. It is a Gen1 and I actually prefer some of the features of the Gen1 myself. If you like the Gen2 body with some mods you can make the body Gen2 ish with not a lot of effort. Hold off on the donor, and get this.. You wont find a better deal.

thanks

I had noticed that kit but I believe I am taking the right track here. I prefer the gen2 looks and the apparent ease of body work vs the gen1 eats up a good chunk of that savings. that kit should move at that price but buying direct from FFR at this point is best for me.

[RumRunner]

thanks

I had noticed that kit but I believe I am taking the right track here. I prefer the gen2 looks and the apparent ease of body work vs the gen1 eats up a good chunk of that savings. that kit should move at that price but buying direct from FFR at this point is best for me.

F7 -

Go in with eyes wide open - there's PLENTY of body work necessary on the Gen 2. I suspect similar to the Gen 1. I had all my mechanical and electrical done on my GTM in 7 months. Took the next 2 1/2 years to finish the body (fixing the wheel well openings, fixing the door window openings, fitting doors, hatch, and nose, getting windows to seal, priming, sanding, etc.). I know it's hard to imagine, but true. People ask how it could take so long? Every fix takes time. Every mod takes time. Heck, I think even time takes time! In the end, if you want it to look good, with even gaps, sealing windows, round wheel wells, etc, it takes time. Not trying to dissuade you at all - just go in knowing what to expect.

Thank God I'm about 5 weeks away from finished!

Good Luck!

-Michael

[VD2021]

and the apparent ease of body work vs the gen1 eats up a good chunk of that savings.

There are almost NO differences in the body work. All that the builder would want to address on the Gen1 is there on the Gen2. The only exception may be the hatch latch. Then there are items that the Gen2 guys have had to deal with that were not an issue prior.

[LCD Gauges]

When you first read the forum, and set eyes on the kit, you get this idea in your head but you really don`t know
what you're getting into until the car is sitting in front of you. My plan started as a goal of $45K. Then you realize
that your GTM is worth more than a slap in the face. Now I`m $59K into the project, and still no paint, spoiler,
and other options.

In the beginning my build was all about budget, cutting costs, and just getting the car on the road as fast as possible.
That mentality soon changed however. You will begin to notice things that bother you, and the effort involved to get it right.

The body work is endless. The body tweaking is necessary. Fixing imperfections is a must. You want this car to look, and feel
like a $100,000 car when it`s done. If somebody has already done the dirty work for you, BUY IT!

Unless you love spending every waking moment in a garage for the next two years, filing, sanding, 'glassing, cutting, repeat...
then be my guest. I never want to see another piece of fiberglass, or sandpaper for the remainder of my life after my car is finished.

[Joe Mush]

I also like to welcome you to the family of very fast cars. I have a Gen2 and located between Boston an Factory Five. If you like to stop by on your way to Factory Five and if the weather is nice I'll take you for a ride.

[Kalstar]

To add to the ideas. Know your weaknesses......many get hung up on one part of the build and either hate pushing through or do not do the job as well as it could be done. Some abandon the build because it makes them lose interest. Work your strengths and learn new skills but when you get hung up, don't be afraid to hire someone to do that part of the build. It does not make you any less the builder and in the end you will thank yourself. Know there are people that are masters at wiring, some are body people and others that are fantastic at mechanics, ask advise or pay for their skilled labor.

One more thing, remember, the body is what everyone sees when they first look at the car make sure that is done as well as you or a hired hand can produce.

[Taz Rules]

Having a nice, quiet, soft room with padding on the walls helps, too. ;)

[f7ben]

F7 -

Go in with eyes wide open - there's PLENTY of body work necessary on the Gen 2. I suspect similar to the Gen 1. I had all my mechanical and electrical done on my GTM in 7 months. Took the next 2 1/2 years to finish the body (fixing the wheel well openings, fixing the door window openings, fitting doors, hatch, and nose, getting windows to seal, priming, sanding, etc.). I know it's hard to imagine, but true. People ask how it could take so long? Every fix takes time. Every mod takes time. Heck, I think even time takes time! In the end, if you want it to look good, with even gaps, sealing windows, round wheel wells, etc, it takes time. Not trying to dissuade you at all - just go in knowing what to expect.

Thank God I'm about 5 weeks away from finished!

Good Luck!

-Michael

Congrats on getting to where you are...I wont be doing any body work or painting. I just finished taping an addition on my house and I wanted to blow my head off....I am a master carpenter by trade but i always subbed out the drywall because I hate the work and I'm not great at it. Bodywork doesnt appeal to me.

There are almost NO differences in the body work. All that the builder would want to address on the Gen1 is there on the Gen2. The only exception may be the hatch latch. Then there are items that the Gen2 guys have had to deal with that were not an issue prior.

A good friend of mine who is a body man in MA said he has heard the gen2 is less work but he has no first hand exp...I will be having all that work done as I mentioned above so any time savings will be money in my pocket.


When you first read the forum, and set eyes on the kit, you get this idea in your head but you really don`t know
what you're getting into until the car is sitting in front of you. My plan started as a goal of $45K. Then you realize
that your GTM is worth more than a slap in the face. Now I`m $59K into the project, and still no paint, spoiler,
and other options.

In the beginning my build was all about budget, cutting costs, and just getting the car on the road as fast as possible.
That mentality soon changed however. You will begin to notice things that bother you, and the effort involved to get it right.

The body work is endless. The body tweaking is necessary. Fixing imperfections is a must. You want this car to look, and feel
like a $100,000 car when it`s done. If somebody has already done the dirty work for you, BUY IT!

Unless you love spending every waking moment in a garage for the next two years, filing, sanding, 'glassing, cutting, repeat...
then be my guest. I never want to see another piece of fiberglass, or sandpaper for the remainder of my life after my car is finished.

I am just looking to have the full experience of this project and my 6 year old daughter loves to be in the shop with me. I will take it in stages and will focus on being diligent and doing the car justice.


I also like to welcome you to the family of very fast cars. I have a Gen2 and located between Boston an Factory Five. If you like to stop by on your way to Factory Five and if the weather is nice I'll take you for a ride.

Awesome and lets hope for good weather...I will PM you and Kalstar when the trip out east gets a little closer. My odds of seeing a finished GTM here in Northern MN are zip and I'd love to see a few different ones to get some perspective. Thanks

To add to the ideas. Know your weaknesses......many get hung up on one part of the build and either hate pushing through or do not do the job as well as it could be done. Some abandon the build because it makes them lose interest. Work your strengths and learn new skills but when you get hung up, don't be afraid to hire someone to do that part of the build. It does not make you any less the builder and in the end you will thank yourself. Know there are people that are masters at wiring, some are body people and others that are fantastic at mechanics, ask advise or pay for their skilled labor.

One more thing, remember, the body is what everyone sees when they first look at the car make sure that is done as well as you or a hired hand can produce.

I know for sure to let the pros take over when you have a shortcoming.


Having a nice, quiet, soft room with padding on the walls helps, too. ;)

thanks lol

[RumRunner]

My odds of seeing a finished GTM here in Northern MN are zip and I'd love to see a few different ones to get some perspective.

F7-

Look on the other forum and PM spytech. He's in MN and finished about a year ago. Don't know how close to you, but worth a try. His build site is:

http://www.gtm-supercar.com

-Michael

[WIS89]

Ben-

Congratulations on making the decision to join the club! Sounds like you have some good perspective, and you certainly have the aptitude as a master carpenter. You don't get there without having a whole host of skills that will help you in your build. Just because it is metal and glass and not wood shouldn't be an issue in my mind!

I wish you luck, and hope you can keep us updated on your progress! I am sure you are completely stoked; so enjoy the process and make some memories with your little girl!!

Give it heck and have fun!!

Regards,

Steve

[flotowngtm]

I am a huge EVO X fan, you must post some pics bro....

[VD2021]

A good friend of mine who is a body man in MA said he has heard the gen2 is less work but he has no first hand exp...I will be having all that work done as I mentioned above so any time savings will be money in my pocket.

Cool. That means you'll get to do the fun and enjoyable part of the build (unless body work and fg itch is your thing:D). I enjoyed the build, to its maximum, until I started dealing with the body work. If I had the free cash I would contract the work. However there are some pros to having to deal with the body work yourself. I have definitely learned a lot (Special thanks to Tom and the forum) and there's a satisfaction in being able to say I did/built/made that.


I am just looking to have the full experience of this project and my 6 year old daughter loves to be in the shop with me. I will take it in stages and will focus on being diligent and doing the car justice.

Very cool. My 10 and 5 year old Daughters seam to have to be in the garage with me. I try to include them as much as possible. I've not been able to include them since I've started the body work. If they're home, I'll start with some measurements or planning, to include them before I have to send them back inside.

Good luck.

[f7ben]

I am a huge EVO X fan, you must post some pics bro....

21749

Here is my current girl...630whp. Car is fully built...here is a short list

2008 Mitsubishi Evo X
- JUN 2.3 crankshaft
- JUN 2.3 forged rods
- JE custom 8.8:1 forged pistons
- IP boost control solenoid
- ARP head studs
- ARP main studs
- Cosworth MX-1 camshafts (266/266)
- Supertech dual valve springs
- Supertech titanium retainers
- Sidewinder exhaust manifold
- Precision T3 6765 .63 turbo
- Buschur Racing intercooler
- IP turbine blanket
- 3" downpipe
- Buschur Racing 3" dual exhaust Quiet mufflers
- DW 1200cc fuel injectors
- Aeromotive A1000 fuel pump
- Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator and pump speed controller
- Tilton triple disc clutch
- Shep custom rear end
- Shep built transmission
- Shep built transfer case
- DSS axles
- DSS driveshaft